Camp Bow Wow to Host Find Love on a Leash Event

Pet owners as well as those seeking a pet can enjoy a day with the dogs at Camp Bow Wow Tampa South Shore's first Find Love on a Leash dog adoption event and rescue group fundraiser.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Bow Wow, 12218 Balm-Riverview Rd., Riverview.

Camp Bow Wow franchise owner Doris Darga said her goal is to get some of the thousands of dogs awaiting homes in Hillsborough County adopted.

"We'll have a number of rescue groups on hand to raise funds, find foster families for homeless dogs and to adopt dogs to forever homes," said Darga.

Local veterinarians, pet photographers, groomers, pet vendors, trainers, and other businesses will be joining in on the fun and donating raffle prizes to support the rescue organizations.

In addition, music will be provided by Sundown and food and iced treats will be available from the Burger Culture food truck and Kona Ice.

A pet costume contest will take place at noon. Residents are invited to dress their dogs in their cutest or silliest costumes and compete for prizes. There also will be pet photos, low-cost microchips and a puppy kissing booth.

Proceeds from the event will go to three lucky participating rescue organizations whose names will be drawn during the event.

"Camp Bow Wow is all about the dogs, from the most pampered of our customers to those less fortunate among our furry friends," said Darga. "That's why one of our goals during this event is to find homes for strays and abandoned dogs. We're blessed to be able to take care of our pampered pets and want to make sure every dog receives the love it deserves."

She added that the event goes hand in hand with the national franchise's mission to educate the public on the advantages of adopting rescue dogs.

“It is all about the dogs," said Darga, adding that she's like to make this an annual event. "There are so many adoptable rescue dogs that need to find their forever homes. Our goals are to assist the rescue groups in finding these forever homes, increase awareness about the need for foster homes and raise funds to support the rescue groups with their continued efforts to care for these less fortunate dogs. We are proud to sponsor this event and look forward to having the community share in this exciting day.”

“The needs of our homeless pets are incredible. Many of the rescue dogs require current vaccinations and have various treatable medical conditions," said Sandy Grogg of Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida. "Our fosters provide a safe environment, the food and the love that these dogs need until they are adopted. The assistance from the community through adoption events helps rescue organizations with the vaccinations and medical expenses.”

The Camp Bow Wow franchise was founded in 2001 and Darga opened her facility in October 2008. Camp Bow Wow is designed to provide the highest levels of fun, safety and service for its campers, and peace of mind for their parents. 

"It's not your traditional kennel," said Darga. "We provide a play environment with five indoor-outdoor yards that are screened on top with web cams so owners can watch their dogs when they're away. We separate the dogs by size and temperment and they have to pass an interview and remain social to stay at Camp Bow Wow."

To learn more, visit Camp Bow Wow Tampa South Shore's website.